How Much Reclaim to Make Butter?
The amount of reclaim needed to make butter varies widely depending on the potency of the reclaim and the desired strength of the final product. Generally, a good starting point is to use approximately 2-4 grams of reclaim per stick (1/2 cup) of butter, adjusting based on personal tolerance and experience.
Understanding Reclaim and Its Potential
Reclaim, also known as resin or honey oil, is the condensed cannabis oil that accumulates in rigs and vaporizers during use. It’s essentially decarboxylated cannabis oil, meaning the THC is already activated and ready to produce psychoactive effects. While often viewed as waste, reclaim can be a valuable resource for making edibles, offering a more cost-effective way to infuse butter compared to using fresh cannabis flower. The key is understanding its potency and adjusting your recipes accordingly. The potency of reclaim varies dramatically from user to user.
The Benefits of Using Reclaim in Butter
- Cost-Effectiveness: Reclaim is essentially “free” since it’s a byproduct of smoking or vaping, making it a budget-friendly alternative to purchasing cannabis flower.
- Decarboxylation: Reclaim is already decarboxylated, saving you the time and effort of activating the THC.
- Versatility: Reclaim-infused butter can be used in a wide variety of recipes, from cookies and brownies to savory dishes.
- Potency Control: While potency varies, you can estimate and adjust the amount of reclaim used to achieve your desired level of effect.
The Process of Making Reclaim Butter
Making reclaim butter is a relatively simple process. Here’s a basic outline:
- Collect Your Reclaim: Scrape reclaim from your rig or vaporizer using a dab tool.
- Melt the Butter: In a saucepan over low heat, melt the desired amount of butter.
- Dissolve the Reclaim: Add the reclaim to the melted butter and stir constantly until completely dissolved.
- Simmer (Optional): Simmer the mixture over very low heat for 15-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step helps ensure even distribution of the reclaim. Avoid high heat, which can degrade the THC.
- Strain (Optional): If you want to remove any remaining plant material or impurities, strain the butter through cheesecloth.
- Cool and Solidify: Pour the infused butter into a container and refrigerate until solid.
Factors Affecting Reclaim Potency
The potency of your reclaim will heavily influence how much you need to use. Several factors affect this:
- Cannabis Strain: The potency of the original cannabis strain used will directly impact the potency of the reclaim.
- Vaporization/Smoking Temperature: Higher temperatures can degrade THC, potentially reducing the potency of the reclaim.
- Frequency of Cleaning: The more frequently you clean your rig or vaporizer, the less potent the reclaim will be (as it’s not accumulating as much THC content).
- Time Since Last Cleaning: The longer it’s been since the last cleaning, the darker and potentially more potent the reclaim might be. Older reclaim also tends to taste harsher.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Too Much Reclaim: Start with a small amount and gradually increase it as needed. It’s easier to add more than it is to take away.
- Overheating the Butter: High heat can degrade THC and reduce the potency of your infused butter.
- Not Stirring Properly: Ensure the reclaim is completely dissolved in the butter for even distribution.
- Ignoring the Taste: Reclaim can have a strong, sometimes unpleasant, taste. Adding flavorings or using it in recipes with bold flavors can help mask the taste.
Calculating Dosage: A Word of Caution
Calculating the exact dosage in reclaim-infused edibles is challenging due to the variability in reclaim potency. It’s always best to err on the side of caution and start with a small dose. Consider doing a test batch with a small amount of reclaim butter to gauge its potency before using it in larger recipes. It is important to note that homemade edibles can have unpredictable potency and should be consumed responsibly.
| Metric | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Reclaim per Stick | 2-4 grams | Adjust based on experience and desired potency |
| Start Dose | 5-10mg equivalent | Begin with a small portion to assess effects before consuming more |
| Wait Time | 1-2 hours | Edibles take longer to activate than inhalation; avoid redosing quickly |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is reclaim safe to consume?
Yes, reclaim is generally considered safe to consume. It has already been decarboxylated, so there is no need to worry about converting THCA to THC. However, like all cannabis products, it should be consumed responsibly and in moderation. Always consider your personal tolerance before consuming reclaim or edibles made with reclaim.
How do I know how potent my reclaim is?
Unfortunately, there’s no easy way to determine the exact potency of your reclaim without lab testing. However, you can estimate it based on the factors mentioned earlier (strain, temperature, frequency of cleaning). Starting with a small test dose is the best way to gauge its potency. Remember, start low and go slow.
Can I use reclaim directly without making butter?
Yes, you can consume reclaim directly. Some people put it in capsules, add it to smoothies, or even dab it. However, the taste can be quite strong, and infusing it into butter is a common and versatile way to make it more palatable.
What’s the best way to collect reclaim?
The best way to collect reclaim depends on the type of device you’re using. For rigs, you can gently heat the glass with a torch (being careful not to overheat it) and pour out the melted reclaim. For vaporizers, you can often scrape it off with a dab tool or use cotton swabs soaked in isopropyl alcohol (ensure all alcohol is evaporated before using the device again).
How long does reclaim butter last?
Reclaim butter lasts as long as regular butter, typically a few weeks in the refrigerator or several months in the freezer. Proper storage is key to maintaining its potency and freshness.
Can I use any kind of butter?
Yes, you can use any kind of butter, including salted, unsalted, or vegan butter. Keep in mind that salted butter may affect the flavor of your final product. Unsalted butter provides the most flexibility in recipes.
What can I use reclaim butter for?
Reclaim butter can be used in any recipe that calls for butter. Common uses include baking cookies, brownies, and cakes, as well as making savory dishes like pasta sauces or garlic bread. Get creative!
How do I store reclaim butter?
Store reclaim butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer. Label the container clearly with the date and potency (if you have an estimate).
What if my reclaim butter is too potent?
If your reclaim butter is too potent, you can dilute it by mixing it with regular butter. Start with a small amount of regular butter and gradually increase it until you achieve your desired potency. Consistency is important.
What if my reclaim butter isn’t potent enough?
If your reclaim butter isn’t potent enough, you can add more reclaim to it and repeat the melting and simmering process. Alternatively, you can simply use more of the infused butter in your recipes.
Does reclaim butter smell like cannabis?
Yes, reclaim butter will typically have a slight cannabis smell, although it’s usually less pronounced than butter infused with fresh flower. The strength of the smell depends on the potency of the reclaim.
Can I use reclaim to make other edibles besides butter?
Yes, you can use reclaim to make other edibles besides butter. You can add it directly to oils, honey, or other fats. The key is to ensure it’s evenly distributed throughout the ingredient you’re using. Consider using it to make cannabis-infused coconut oil for baking or cooking.